| #ffffff;" /> | | | | Beginners will find the facilities to learn to dive |
| There’s no doubt that Cuba is an amazing | | | | before they head out, meaning nobody has an |
| holiday destination. Sure, I would say this given | | | | excuse to ignore this amazing part of the Cuban |
| my job, but I like to think I would be just as | | | | experience. |
| enthusiastic about the island, even if my career | | | | Swimming with Dolphins |
| didn’t make it convenient to want to sell | | | | Swimming with dolphins is a Cuba holiday |
| Cuba as a holiday destination! If I were asked to | | | | experience like no other, and something which will |
| name the main selling point of a holiday to Cuba | | | | stay with you forever. Various resorts including |
| rather than anywhere else in the world, it | | | | Varadero and Holguin offer the activity, while |
| wouldn’t be because of the weather, the | | | | those interested in the mammals, but a little wary |
| history or even the fine cigars (although all these | | | | of getting too close can enjoy a dolphin show. |
| points are tempting in their own right), it would be | | | | Bird Watching |
| for the huge variety of niche activities | | | | Cuba’s vast and varied set of endemic |
| encouraging travel to Cuba – an amazing | | | | bird life means that the island is a wonderful |
| feat for a comparatively small country. | | | | holiday destination for budding bird watchers. |
| It’s a horrible cliché of the travel | | | | Endemic species include the Cuban Green |
| industry, but Cuba is an island where there really | | | | Woodpecker, the Cuban Trogan, the Cuban Tody |
| is something for everyone. | | | | and Cuban Blackbird. If you’re lucky, you |
| Here’s a low-down on some of the niche | | | | may even see the Bee Hummingbird – |
| activities you can get up to while exploring the | | | | though as it’s the smallest bird in the |
| niche aspects of Cuba’s tourism: | | | | world, the chances are that you might miss it! |
| Salsa Dancing | | | | Golf |
| Cuba is of course, very much the world’s | | | | A less well tapped area of Cuba’s tourism |
| centre of salsa and there are plenty of options to | | | | industry, but what better way of enjoying the |
| strut your stuff once the sun has set. The bigger | | | | Caribbean sunshine then with a round of golf? |
| cities – particularly Havana and Santiago de | | | | Cuba’s golf courses are on level ground, |
| Cuba – where there are plenty of larger | | | | covered with well maintained grass and lakes |
| venues for Cuban holiday makers to dance the | | | | against a backdrop of breathtaking hills. Keen |
| night away. If you worry your two left feet are | | | | golfers will appreciate the spaciousness of the |
| going to show you up against the naturals, getting | | | | courses, while beginners will be pleased to seek |
| lessons in the bigger cities is also remarkably | | | | out the advice of local trainers to improve their |
| easy, and you’ll be dancing like a pro in no | | | | game before getting serious! |
| time! | | | | Painting |
| Horse Riding | | | | It may be unconventional a holiday focus as you |
| Sure, this isn’t everyone’s idea of | | | | can find, but both budding artists and appreciators |
| a dream Cuba holiday, but there are definitely a | | | | of the art world will find Cuba a thought provoking |
| few going to be enamoured by the idea of riding | | | | backdrop with a thriving art scene. The old style |
| across the picturesque valleys of Trinidad, where | | | | Colonial buildings of Havana make ideal subjects to |
| the ruins of old sugar mills are dotted across the | | | | sketch, and if you travel to Cuba’s Vinales |
| hills. The Vinales Valley is the other breathtaking | | | | Valley, you’ll find an inspiring scene sure to |
| area in which horse riding is a must, and while | | | | inspire anyone with artist’s block. For |
| beginners may feel a bit nervous, you | | | | those who prefer to enjoy rather than create, |
| can’t beat the feeling of freedom and the | | | | the Havana National Museum of Fine Arts is a |
| majestic views that horse riding in Cuba provides. | | | | must, with various collections of Cuba art from |
| Deep Sea Fishing | | | | colonial times to the latest hot contemporary |
| As celebrity endorsements go, you can’t | | | | works. |
| really beat a classic figure of literature as a | | | | Weddings |
| spokesman for your island. Ernest | | | | You may need to learn to horse ride, dive or play |
| Hemmingway’s extended | | | | golf in Cuba, but there’s only one scenario |
| ‘holiday’ in Cuba is well | | | | when a Cuban wedding would be appropriate (well, |
| documented, as is his love of fishing on the North | | | | two – but your partner may not |
| West coast of Cayo Guillermo. Fishing is legal | | | | appreciate the second! Planning a Cuban wedding |
| throughout the island, so there are many | | | | can lead off in many different avenues from an |
| unexplored hotspots in which to kick back, enjoy | | | | unforgettable tying of nuptials on the golden sands |
| the weather and relax on your boat, letting your | | | | of the island’s many beaches, to an idyllic |
| fishing rod do the work. | | | | church service followed by a night of boozy salsa |
| Diving | | | | dancing – a Cuban wedding has enough |
| There’s places to dive all over the world, | | | | variety to keep both families (and all the guests) |
| but travel in Cuba offers a unique experience for | | | | happy at the once in a lifetime celebration! |
| those looking to see the ocean surrounding it. For | | | | This is only really scratching the surface – |
| starters, the tropical fish are fascinating, colourful | | | | the truth is that an island as versatile as Cuba is |
| and varied, and the visibility of the clear ocean is | | | | overflowing with potential. The weather is almost |
| incredible meaning you won’t miss a sight. | | | | always perfect, the beaches and towns are |
| The waters are also warm – over 24 | | | | romantic enough for couples, while there is |
| degrees centigrade all year round – | | | | enough entertainment for families and singles. |
| meaning you won’t want to leave! | | | | |